Create a group text by opening Messages, tapping the compose button, and adding multiple contacts

To create a group text on an iPhone, open the Messages app, tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-left corner (or swipe left and tap "New Message"), then type or select the names of the people you want to include. You can add up to 32 people in a single group text. Once you've added everyone, type your message and send it — all recipients will see that it's a group conversation and can reply to everyone at once.

Group texts work differently depending on whether you're using iMessage (Apple's service for iPhone-to-iPhone messages) or standard SMS text messaging. iMessage group texts have more features, like the ability to name the group and see when people are typing. SMS group texts are simpler but work with any phone. Your iPhone will use iMessage by default if all members have iPhones; if even one person uses Android or another phone, it will switch to SMS.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the compose button in Messages, add multiple contacts, type your message, and send to create a group text instantly.
  • iMessage group texts (all iPhones) let you name the group, see typing indicators, and use reactions; SMS group texts (mixed phones) are more basic.
  • You can add or remove people from an existing group text by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, and selecting "Edit Name and Photo."
  • If a group text isn't working, check that all members have their phone numbers or Apple IDs visible and that iMessage is turned on in Settings.

Step-by-step: Starting a new group text from scratch

Step 1: Open Messages and start a new conversation. Tap the Messages app on your home screen. In the top-left corner, you'll see a pencil-and-paper icon (or you can swipe left on the conversation list). Tap it to open the "New Message" screen.

Step 2: Add the people you want to include. Tap the "To:" field at the top. A keyboard will appear. Start typing the first person's name, phone number, or email address. As you type, your contacts will appear below — tap the person's name to add them. Repeat this for each person you want in the group. You'll see their names or numbers appear in a row above the keyboard as you add them.

Step 3: Type and send your message. Tap in the message field at the bottom and type what you want to say. When you're ready, tap the send button (the arrow icon). Your message will go to everyone in the group at once.

How to name your group text and customize it

If everyone in your group has an iPhone and iMessage is active, you can name the group and add a photo. Open the group conversation, then tap the group name at the very top of the screen (where it shows the names of all members). This opens the group details page.

Tap "Edit Name and Photo" in the top-right corner. You can now type a custom name for the group — something like "Book Club" or "Weekend Plans" — and tap the camera icon to add a photo or emoji. When you're done, tap "Done" and the changes will appear for everyone in the group. If you don't see this option, it means at least one member is using Android or another non-iPhone device, and your group is using SMS instead of iMessage.

Adding or removing people from an existing group text

To add someone to a group text that's already started, open the conversation and tap the group name at the top. Tap "Edit Name and Photo," then tap the plus sign (+) next to "Add Contact." Search for and select the person you want to add, then tap "Done." They'll be added to the conversation and can see all future messages, but they won't see the message history from before they joined.

To remove someone, open the same group details screen, find their name in the list, and swipe left on it. A red "Remove" button will appear — tap it. That person will no longer receive messages from the group. Note that you can only add or remove people if the group is using iMessage; if it's an SMS group text, you'll need to start a new conversation without that person.

Why your group text might not be working

If people aren't receiving your group messages or the group text isn't sending, check a few things. First, make sure iMessage is turned on: go to Settings, tap Messages, and toggle "iMessage" to on. If you're trying to add someone and their name doesn't appear, make sure their contact information is saved in your Contacts app with a phone number or email address.

If the group text keeps converting to SMS (you'll see "SMS" instead of "iMessage" at the top), it usually means one member doesn't have iMessage turned on or their contact info isn't set up correctly. Ask them to check their Settings > Messages > iMessage and make sure it's enabled. If one person is using Android, SMS is normal and expected — your group will work fine, just without the extra iMessage features like typing indicators and reactions.

Another common issue: if you're adding someone new and they don't appear in your contacts, you may need to add them manually first. Go to Contacts, tap the plus sign, enter their name and phone number, and save. Then try adding them to the group again.

The difference between iMessage and SMS group texts

An iMessage group text happens when everyone in the group has an iPhone with iMessage turned on. These conversations show a blue bubble around your messages and include features like the ability to name the group, see when people are typing, use emoji reactions to messages, and send photos or videos without them being compressed. You can also leave the group if you want.

An SMS group text uses standard text messaging and works with any phone. These show green bubbles and are more basic — no typing indicators, no reactions, no custom group names. However, they're more reliable if you're texting people with older phones or non-Apple devices. Your iPhone will automatically switch to SMS if even one person in the group doesn't have iMessage available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add more than 32 people to a group text?

No, iPhone limits group texts to 32 people maximum. If you need to reach more people, you'll need to create multiple groups or use a different service like email or a group messaging app.

What happens if I leave a group text?

If it's an iMessage group, you can leave by opening the conversation, tapping the group name at the top, scrolling down, and tapping "Leave this Conversation." You'll no longer receive messages from that group. If it's an SMS group text, you can't formally leave, but you can mute notifications or delete the conversation.

Why do some people in my group not see my messages?

This usually means their phone number or email isn't saved correctly in your contacts, or their iMessage is turned off. Ask them to check Settings > Messages > iMessage is enabled. Also confirm their contact information is accurate in your Contacts app — a typo in their phone number will cause messages to fail.

Can I send a group text to people without saving them as contacts?

Yes. When you tap the "To:" field in a new message, you can type phone numbers or email addresses directly without having them saved. However, if you plan to text them regularly, it's easier to save them as contacts first.

How do I mute notifications from a group text?

Open the group conversation, swipe left on it, and tap the speaker-with-slash icon to mute notifications. You'll still receive messages, but your phone won't alert you when new ones arrive. You can unmute the same way.